Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been formally served with a Federal Government lawsuit accusing her of defamation following a controversial TV appearance in April.

The suit, filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court and marked CR/297/25, alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan made statements during Channels Television’s Politics Today that were intended to damage the reputation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Federal Government invoked Section 391 of the Penal Code, which addresses imputations made with intent to harm a person’s reputation.

Among key witnesses expected in court are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and police investigators.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, confirmed on Friday that they had received the court summons and are ready to mount a strong defence.

“We received the said information on her behalf through a letter of authority duly issued and filed in the court’s registry,” West-Idahosa said in a statement.

“The legal team will fully prepare and present all factual and statutory defences available to our client during the trial.”

The senator was suspended from the National Assembly on March 6 over what was described as “gross misconduct,” a claim she has vehemently denied.

She insists her suspension was politically motivated and tied to her ongoing allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan previously accused both Akpabio and Yahaya Bello of plotting her assassination. In response, Akpabio petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, urging her prosecution for “criminal defamation, incitement, and false accusations.”